JS body wants trade policy framework in two months

FE Report
A parliamentary body asked Wednesday the government to frame and submit a draft trade policy framework within next two months, as a comprehensive measure for upgrading the sector suiting current advances.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry also recommended introducing certificates for the local businesses similar to the commercially important person (CIP) status at district and upazila levels to encourage them in order to expand country's trade and business.
The recommendations came from the 4th meeting of the committee of the 10th parliament at the parliament building. Committee chairman Ali Ashraf chaired the meeting.
It was disclosed at the meeting that export is growing every year, marking an 11.65 per cent growth in the FY 2013-14.
It was also informed in the meeting that the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) participates in 30 international trade fairs in different countries every year. The committee asked the ministry to submit a report on the impact of participation in those fairs in expanding commerce.
Other members of the committee attending the meeting included Motahar Hossain, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Enamul Haq, Waresat Hossain Belal, Sanwar Hossain, Manjurul Islam Liton and Laila Arjuman Banu.
In another meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on the communications ministry, speedy implementation of the Padma Bridge project and upgrading the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway to four lanes were suggested.
"The committee also recommended recruiting more skilled manpower in various departments and directorates of the ministry for quicker implementation of various projects," a meeting source said.
The lawmakers also asked for fast removal of all the illegal structures on both sides of the Joydevpur-Tangail Highway.   
The committee made the recommendations at its 3rd meeting at the parliament building. Committee chairman Ekabbar Hossain presided.
Other members present at the meeting include Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, AKMA Awal, Nuruzzaman Ahmed, Faizur Rahman, Nazmul Huq Prodhan, Monirul Islam and Lutfunnessa.